(A) Purpose. This section identifies general yard requirements to be provided for in all zoning districts and exceptions thereto.
(B) Minimum lot size. No lot, required yard, or other open space shall be reduced in area or dimension so as to make such lot, yard, or open space less than the minimum required by this chapter, and if the existing yard or other open space as existing is less than the minimum required, it shall not be further reduced. No required open space provided about any building or structure shall be included as part of any open space required for another structure.
(C) Setbacks.
(1) The following shall not be considered as encroachments on required yard setbacks:
(a) Chimneys, flues, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, cornices, eaves, gutters, and the like if: (i) they do not project more than two feet into a setback; (ii) they are a minimum distance of five feet from the side property line; and (iii) they are not located within an easement.
(b) Steps, stoops, or similar features, provided they do not extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal structure or to a distance less than five feet from any lot line or extend into any easement.
(c) In side yards: ground level patio, air conditioning and/or heating equipment, and standby or backup electrical power generation unit, provided they are located a minimum distance of five feet from a side lot line and not within an easement.
(d) In rear yards:
1. Recreational and laundry drying equipment, arbors, trellises, balconies, terraces, ground level patio, air conditioning and/or heating equipment, and standby or backup electrical power generation units, provided they are a minimum distance of five feet from the rear lot line and not within an easement.
2. Compost structures and firewood piles.
(i) In all residential districts, compost structures and firewood piles shall not be permitted in the front yard or in the case of a corner lot the area between the street right-of-way and the minimum required building side yard setback line;
(ii) Any compost structure or firewood pile shall be limited to the rear yard and placed no closer than ten feet to any property line;
(iii) Firewood shall be stored in a neat and secure stack; and
(iv) The height of a woodpile shall not exceed six feet, and if greater than three feet, shall be no more than twice the width of the woodpile.
(e) In front yards, ground level patios/platforms provided:
1. The patio/platform is no closer than 15 feet from the front property line and no closer to an interior side lot line than five feet;
2. The patio/platform does not encroach into any easement area; and
3. The patio/platform does not have railings, except as required by ADA regulations.
(f) A one-story entrance for a detached single-family or duplex dwelling extending into the front yard setback not exceeding five feet, subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator.
(g) Seasonal porches, as defined in § 155.009 of the city code, shall maintain the designated front, side and rear yard setbacks for the zoning district in which they are located. Decks and pools are permitted 15 feet from a rear property line, provided they are not within an easement.
(h) Retaining walls, provided the wall(s) is at least five feet from the property line and not located in a drainage and utility easement, except upon written approval of the City Engineer.
(2) Where adjacent structures within the same block have front yard setbacks different from those required, the front yard minimum setback shall be the average of the adjacent principal structures. If there is only one adjacent principal structure, the front yard minimum setback shall be the average of the required setback and the setback of the adjacent principal structure. In no case shall the required front yard setback exceed that required minimum established within the districts of this chapter nor infringe upon required traffic visibility established with § 155.032.
(D) Grade elevation. Maximum allowed yard slope shall be 3:1 and the minimum allowed yard slope shall be 2%.
(Ord. 110, passed 11-15-97; Am. Ord. 121, passed 2-23-99; Am. Ord. 0204, passed 8-13-02; Am. Ord. 0305, passed 4-8-03; Am. Ord. 0408, passed 12-14-04; Am. Ord. 0605, passed 7-25-06; Am. Ord. 0701, passed 1-9-07; Am. Ord. 0703, passed 7-10-07; Am. Ord. 0802, passed 3-11-08; Am. Ord. 0903, passed 10-27-09; Am. Ord. 1003, passed 6-8-10; Am. Ord. 1106, passed 8-9-11; Am. Ord. 1905, passed 12-10-19) Penalty, see § 155.999